Dear members of the World Muscle Society, friends and colleagues,
It was our great pleasure to invite you to the 31st annual Congress of the World Muscle Society, which took place in Hiroshima, Japan, from 29 September to 3 October 2026. On behalf of the Local Organising Committee and the Programme Committee, thank you for joining us in this historic and inspiring city.
This was the second WMS Congress held in Asia, following the 15th Annual Meeting in Kumamoto in 2010. Asia is home to more than half of the world’s population, and for WMS 2026 our Local Organising Committee included colleagues from Korea, China, Taiwan and Thailand, as well as Japan. Their participation reflects our hope to strengthen myology across Asia and to encourage future WMS meetings in this region.
Myology, a field that deals with rare diseases, relies deeply on international collaboration. The development of myology rests on several essential conditions, ranging from skilled individuals and multidisciplinary expertise to healthcare capacity, financial support and a stable economic environment. At the foundation of these conditions are two indispensable elements: peace and international collaboration. Without social stability, scientific progress cannot be sustained, and without cooperation across borders, a rare field like ours cannot grow and advance.
Hiroshima embodies both of these principles. It stands as a global symbol of peace and also as a symbol of international collaboration, shaped by decades of engagement between the people of Hiroshima, the Hibakusha, and the international community. Holding WMS 2026 in a city that represents both peace and global cooperation gave our Congress a uniquely meaningful significance.
We provided a rich scientific and educational programme that brought together cutting-edge research, clinical advances and opportunities for collaboration and mentoring across generations. Whether you are a clinician, researcher or trainee, we hope that WMS 2026 was an inspiring and meaningful experience.
Thank you, once again, for joining us in Hiroshima and helping to shape the future of myology together.
With our warmest regards
Ichizo Nishino and Takashi Kurashige
WMS 2026 Congress Local Organising Committee Co-Chairs
The World Muscle Society is a dynamic community that aims to promote, disseminate, and share all aspects of neuromuscular physiology and diseases, from basic science to patient care. It encompasses a broad range of scientists and healthcare professionals who share the common interest for neuromuscular disorders.
The WMS wishes to be inclusive and actively promotes diversity. Students and colleagues from low- and medium-income countries are not only welcomed at a very affordable fee, but they are also actively encouraged to make the most of the personal and career development opportunities that the WMS promotes.
The WMS is conscious of its environmental responsibility and actively promotes ecological-friendly policies.
For more information about our Society, please visit our website.
